‘We just can’t buy a goal’

THE Southern Dogs are desperately searching for some accuracy in front of goal.

The team slumped to its fourth consecutive loss at the National Hockey League in Wellington yesterday.

It lost 20 to Auckland, but coach Clive Daniels said his side created more opportunities than its opponent.

‘‘I wish you could see the games as they are happening because we created 10 opportunities to their five,’’ Daniels lamented.

‘‘It is just not going to plan. It was a good effort and the boys are really playing good hockey. We just can’t buy a goal at the moment.

‘‘It is a bit frustrating. Devon Manchester was in the goal for Auckland and he made three or four critical saves.

‘‘On any other day, with another goalkeeper there, those goals go in.’’

The loss has left the Dogs in last place in the standings. But while the team is out of conten tion, Daniels said the hope was to finish as strongly as possible.

Injured striker Finn Ward has been replaced in the squad by Aucklander Troy Mansfield.

In other games yesterday, North Harbour prevailed in a topsyturvy match with Central.

It won the shootout 32 after the score was locked 44 at fulltime. There was plenty of drama in the game, with Central shooting out to a 20 lead.

Harbour rallied and led 43 with a minute left. But Jason Peel scored from a penalty corner to force a shootout.

Competition frontrunners Capital and Canterbury were also forced into a shootout after the score was tied 22 at fulltime.

Canterbury was clinical in the set piece, scoring three of its four attempts to clinch the win 32.

The women’s tournament had a rest day yesterday. The Southern Storm is winless after four games but plays Midlands in a bottom of the table clash this afternoon.

The Southern Dogs also play Midlands.